Hockey

HIGH FIVES, December 2008, by Karen Demers


HOCKEY


For Canadians, hockey is a traditional sport identified by many as a symbol of our country. Generally a male sport, I wanted to know how it resonates with girls. I decided to take a stroll down the street to talk to some women on the University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology’s (UOIT) Women’s Varsity Hockey team and find out how hockey has impacted their lives. This is the team’s first season playing in the inter-university hockey league, here in Ontario. Most of these girls have played hockey since they were 8 and up, and the majority of them started off figure skating or playing ringette.

Brief History: The roots of hockey can be traced back to early civilization when it was called “ball and stick” and resembled field hockey. Ice hockey began when people played “ball and stick” on the curling rinks. From there the game took off! So when did women’s hockey begin? According to Hockey Canada, the first recorded game was in 1892 and was played in Barrier, ON. Back then, women’s uniforms consisted of long wool skirts, turtleneck sweaters, hats and gloves – quite different from today! After World War II, women’s hockey participation declined leaving most girls fighting to play on men’s teams, often feeling rejected and out of place. The revival of women’s hockey began in the 1970s as women in colleges and universities demand ice time and the chance to play. The Canadian Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic Union was formed with its primary goal to organize and hold national championships for women athletes. In 1990 the first Women’s World Ice Hockey Championship took place with 8 competing countries followed shortly, in 1998, when women’s ice hockey became an official Olympic event. Since then, women’s hockey has continued to thrive; leaving sports enthusiasts to say that now is the most exciting era for women’s hockey. I interviewed the UOIT Varsity team to get you more info about hockey…



Commitment Level: Playing hockey requires a lot of dedication. “When I was younger we only had hockey about 4 times a week but now it’s a lifestyle”.

Starting age: 4-14

Physical Requirements: Hockey requires you to be in good physical condition – “endurance, agility and cardio-respiratory fitness”.

Equipment: Skates, shin pads, hockey pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, socks, neck guard, stick and a helmet with a full cage.

Average Cost: Playing hockey in a league including equipment can cost between $1500 - $3000. On a university team the school sponsors the team leaving the players to pay $200-$310 for the season.

Slang/Jargon: ‘Bar-down’: a goal scored after hitting the cross-bar, ‘Shmelt’: first year player, ‘Yard sale’: when someone messes up Big time!, ‘Top cheddar’: when someone scores in the top corner of the net, ‘Five Hole’: goal scored between the goalies pads, ‘Apple’: an assist, ‘Riding the Pine’: sitting on the bench, ‘Barn’: the rink.

‘She’ros in this sport: Danielle Goyette is currently the oldest member of Team Canada. Hayley Wickenheiser “has been  playing for team Canada since she was 12 years old and is still the top player in women’s hockey”.

What do parents think of Hockey?: “Parents are very supportive of hockey and are proud to see their children play”. “When I first started playing hockey I think  my parents were worried I would get hurt because I was pretty much the only girl. Now I am 21 years old, my parents have barely missed a game and are strong supporters”.

Why others should consider Hockey: The girls all say hockey helped them meet new friends and stay away from the wrong crowd. “If people are interested in playing hockey, they could start in ringette to learn how to skate”. Team Captain Megan states “At least try it, hockey is not just a sport. It teaches you discipline, how to be a team player, it’s great exercise and a positive way to relieve stress and aggression.”

~ Karen

Comment

Lillly S.
I have been playing hockey ever since I could walk. I love the game and it helps you get very active. If you are worried about you daughter getting hurt.....don't be. Most girls(like me) have played the guys and we can beat them. It is really fun and like my coach always says, :don't worry about the future games, we can only kick butt for this game". Hockey is soooooo worth the money and time and i still have time for fun nd school. So even if you aren't good at skating or you aren't good at hockey, I would recommend trying it. You'll have fun......trust me!
candice
right now i am 13 years old and i started playing hockey when i was 4. It is a great sport, i have met many friends at hockey. For those parents who are worried about their daughter getting hurt in a hockey game don't be. you do have a reason to be worried consitering that it is a contact sport. but in girls hockey there is no contact allowed at all. granted girls do get hurt, I for one have dislocated my left shoulder 4 times and my left knee once, but you could get hurt in any sport. it is also a very good workout. I play hockey from 5-7 times a week. That is because I play Bantom "A". for those of you who don't know what that means it means i play the second highest level at my age group. Hockey keeps e in shape and fit. Even though i play the sport so often i do have time for a social life, homework, and clubs at school, i even have down time. my point is that hockey is a great sport and worth the money, and time!!!!

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